Student Question
What prevented the courtiers from stopping the intruder's progress in "The Masque of the Red Death"?
Quick answer:
The courtiers in "The Masque of the Red Death" were unable to stop the intruder due to overwhelming fear. The figure's ghastly and frightening appearance paralyzed them, preventing any attempt to intervene. Despite the Prince's orders, the guests' fear allowed the intruder to move freely through the chambers. When the Prince finally confronted the figure, he was so terrified that he dropped his dagger and fell dead.
In this story, no one dared stop the unwanted guest at the party because they were all paralyzed by fear. Its appearance was so disgusting, ghastly and frightening that no guests or servants would dare approach it or try to stop it from entering other rooms.
Despite the Prince's order, the party-goers are slow to respond. The sight of the figure paralyzes them with fear so that he is able to travel through the chambers unimpeded by the figures he moves amongst. Belatedly, the Prince gives chase, drawing a dagger against the intruder. He catches up with him as he enters the final eerie chamber. As the figure turns, however, the Prince gasps, drops the dagger and collapses, dead.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.